Once upon a time, there lived a man who had several daughters. Each day, when he returned home from his work in the fields, he would notice with increasing alarm that one of his daughters had disappeared. Puzzled and worried, he would ask the others what had happened, and they would reply in fearful voices, “When you left, an old woman came by. She offered to do our hair, and afterward… we noticed that one of us was missing.”
The father’s worry grew with each passing day. Yet, despite the girls’ warnings, the mysterious old woman returned repeatedly, claiming to help with their hair. Each visit brought disaster: another daughter would vanish without a trace. The father’s heart ached with fear, but he was determined to protect his family and uncover the truth behind the disappearances.
One morning, after yet another daughter went missing, the man devised a plan. He fetched a large grain basket and a sharp knife. Calling his daughters together, he instructed them, “Climb into the tree in the middle of our courtyard. If the old woman asks you to come down, do not move. Stay hidden until I tell you it is safe.” The girls obeyed, climbing the branches with a mixture of curiosity and fear, their eyes wide as they peered down at the courtyard below.
Once the girls were safely perched in the tree, the man concealed himself inside the grain basket. He held his knife tightly, his heart pounding with anticipation. Minutes passed, the sun casting warm, dappled light across the courtyard, until finally, the old woman appeared. She approached with her usual slow, deliberate steps, her crooked cane tapping against the dusty ground.
“Where is your father today?” she asked the girls, her voice deceptively sweet.
“He has gone out,” the daughters replied in unison, keeping their voices steady despite their fear.
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The old woman crouched beneath the tree and said, “Come down so I can do your hair.” But the girls remained frozen, their father’s warning echoing in their minds. Frustration darkened her expression, and for the first time, she seemed impatient.
Seizing the moment, the father emerged from his hiding place. With one swift, decisive stroke of his knife, he struck at the old woman’s belly. In an instant, the truth was revealed: the missing daughters tumbled out from her hidden magic, free and unharmed. The witch, caught off guard, let out a shriek and vanished into thin air, leaving nothing behind but a faint shimmer in the sunlight.
It was then that the father and his daughters understood the terrible reality: the old woman was no ordinary visitor. She was a witch, cunning and malevolent, who had been stealing children under the guise of kindness. Thanks to the father’s courage, vigilance, and quick thinking, his family was safe once more. From that day forward, the daughters were wary of strangers, and the father’s cleverness became a tale told throughout the village as a warning to others.
Thus, the Mossi people learned that even those who appear gentle and helpful may conceal dangerous intentions, and that careful observation, courage, and quick action are essential in protecting one’s family.
Moral Lesson
This tale teaches the importance of caution and vigilance. Appearances can be deceiving, and even those who seem kind may hide dangerous intentions. Protecting loved ones requires wisdom, courage, and the willingness to act decisively when danger is sensed.
Knowledge Check
Who repeatedly visited the daughters under the guise of helping with their hair?
The old woman, who was actually a witch.
How did the father protect his daughters from the witch?
He had them climb a tree and hid himself in a grain basket with a knife.
What revealed the witch’s true nature?
The father struck her belly, freeing the missing daughters and exposing her magic.
What lesson does this story teach about appearances?
That outward appearances can be deceiving; one must remain cautious and vigilant.
How did the daughters respond to the witch’s requests to come down from the tree?
They stayed hidden, following their father’s instructions.
What cultural origin is this folktale associated with?
Mossi people, Burkina Faso.
Source: Mossi folktale, Burkina Faso
